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Effectiveness of a Modified Computer Assisted Instructional Tool In The Dissemination of Prostate Cancer Information to Men of African Descent Through Black Churches

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Abstract

Men of African descent are at high risk for prostate cancer. The paper’s goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in increasing prostate cancer knowledge/awareness. Primary aims are to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the CAI to an earlier version. Secondary aim is to evaluate the role of racial identity. Forty-three males recruited at two churches completed in-depth survey, pre/posttest questionnaire, cross racial identity scale, and viewed the CAI. Paired means test, effect size statistics, hierarchical cluster analysis and contingency tables were used for data analysis. Results suggest that the CAI significantly increased prostate cancer knowledge/awareness. Recommendations for using the CAI in communities of African descent are provided.

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Acknowledgements

This study was partially supported by awards from the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at Brooklyn College/CUNY; the Stacy Garil Womack Memorial Fund for Cancer Research 30704608; and a grant from the National Cancer Institute, 5 P20 CA91411. We would like to thank Ms Karla Felix, Ms. Tabitha N. Sukahi, Mr. William B. Tutol and Ms. Brandis Weston-Ruffin for their assistance with data collection, management, and analysis; and Dr. Jianwei Cai, Mr. Nicholas Irons, and the staff of Academic Information Technology Services at Brooklyn College/CUNY for their tireless efforts in support of this project. Stephen Lepore is now at Department of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Demetrius Carolina is now pastor of the First Central Baptist Church, Staten Island, New York, NY, USA. John Pinto is now at Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, New York, NY 10605, USA.

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Weston, R.E., Weston, P.J., Futterman, R.F. et al. Effectiveness of a Modified Computer Assisted Instructional Tool In The Dissemination of Prostate Cancer Information to Men of African Descent Through Black Churches. J Afr Am St 11, 140–156 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12111-007-9017-2

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